Moe's Southwest Grill vs Carl's Jr.Franchise Comparison 2026
Moe's Southwest Grill and Carl's Jr. represent two different approaches in the QSR space. Here's how they compare on investment costs, fees, revenue potential, and market presence.
Quick Comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Moe's Southwest Grill | Carl's Jr. | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $25,000 | +20% |
| Total Investment (Low) | $350,000 | $1.5M | -76% |
| Total Investment (High) | $710,000 | $3.2M | -78% |
| Cash Required | $250,000 | $380,000 | -34% |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 4.0% | Higher |
| Advertising Fee | 3.0% | 6.0% | Lower |
| Estimated Revenue | $920,000 | $1.3M | -29% |
| Number of Locations | 720 | 1,350 | Fewer |
| Year Founded | 2000 | 1941 | Newer |
| Training Duration | 4 weeks | 10 weeks | Shorter |
Note: Data sourced from public FDD filings and industry reports. Actual costs vary by location, real estate, and format. Always review current FDD Item 7 and Item 19 disclosures before making investment decisions.
Detailed Analysis
About Moe's Southwest Grill
Fresh Tex-Mex with free chips and salsa. Part of Focus Brands. Strong unit economics and operational simplicity.
About Carl's Jr.
West Coast premium burger chain known for charbroiled burgers and bold marketing. Part of CKE Restaurants alongside Hardee's.
Investment Comparison
Moe's Southwest Grill requires a lower initial investment (avg $530,000) compared to Carl's Jr.(avg $2.3M), making it more accessible for first-time franchisees. However, Carl's Jr. may offer higher revenue potential.
Fee Structure
Moe's Southwest Grill has lower ongoing fees (8.0% total) compared to Carl's Jr.(10.0% total), which means more of each sales dollar stays with the franchisee. Over time, this can significantly impact profitability.
Market Position
Carl's Jr. has a significantly larger footprint with 1,350 locations compared to Moe's Southwest Grill's 720. This larger network typically means better brand recognition, more purchasing power, and stronger operational support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Moe's Southwest Grill vs Carl's Jr. franchise?
Moe's Southwest Grill requires an initial investment of $350,000 to $710,000, while Carl's Jr. requires $1.5M to $3.2M. Moe's Southwest Grill has the lower average investment at $530,000.
What are the ongoing fees for Moe's Southwest Grill vs Carl's Jr.?
Moe's Southwest Grill charges a 5.0% royalty plus 3.0% advertising fee (8.0% total). Carl's Jr. charges 4.0% royalty plus 6.0% advertising fee (10.0% total). Moe's Southwest Grill has lower total ongoing fees.
Which franchise makes more money: Moe's Southwest Grill or Carl's Jr.?
Based on estimated average unit revenue, Carl's Jr. generates $1.3M per location compared to $920,000 for Moe's Southwest Grill. However, profitability depends on many factors including local market, operating costs, and management.
How many locations does Moe's Southwest Grill have vs Carl's Jr.?
Moe's Southwest Grill has 720 locations, while Carl's Jr. has 1,350 locations. Carl's Jr. has the larger footprint, which typically means stronger brand recognition and supply chain advantages.
Is Moe's Southwest Grill or Carl's Jr. a better franchise investment in 2026?
Both Moe's Southwest Grill and Carl's Jr. are established QSR brands with proven models. Moe's Southwest Grill offers a lower entry point, while Carl's Jr. shows higher average revenue. The best choice depends on your available capital, local market conditions, and personal goals. Always review the current FDD before making investment decisions.
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